Stellantis: a new explanation for the pause in Gigafactory projects in Italy and Germany

June 2024, Automotive Cells Company (ACC), joint venture between StellantisMercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies, announced a pause in Gigafactories projects in Termoli (Italy) and Kaiserslautern (Germany). The reason given? Weaker-than-expected demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe. However, closer analysis reveals that another, unexpected explanation could justify this decision: the need to integrate a new battery technology, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry.

Declining demand, but not only

Originally, declining demand for EVs in Europe in 2024 was the official justification. to put these ambitious projects on hold. Indeed, just as the energy transition seemed to be on track, the market showed signs of slowing down, caused in particular by high costs and the growing competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers. ACC, which was banking on Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) and Nickel Oxide batteries, saw its profitability forecasts undermined.

But this explanation doesn't seem to be enough. If demand for electric vehicles influences decisions, the emergence of LFP chemistry on the European market may also have upset ACC's initial plans.

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The strategic pivot to LFP batteries

LFP batteries, popular in China for their low cost and durability, batteries represent a serious alternative to NMC batteries. However, this technology was not initially included in ACC's 2023-2028 roadmap, which focused on more efficient but also more expensive batteries.

This lack of preparation for LFP forced Stellantis to adapt quickly. In November 2023, the Group signed a strategic partnership with CATL, world leader in LFP batteries, to secure a supply of this technology. This agreement clearly shows that Stellantis recognizes the need to meet the growing demand for more affordable EVs, and therefore for LFP batteries. The electric Citroën e-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda are both equipped with them.

What's more, it was barely a month ago, Stellantis has unveiled a partnership with Factorial Inc. to test an even more advanced technology: solid-state batteries. These tests, planned for a fleet of top-of-the-range vehicles by 2026, illustrate the Group's determination to remain at the forefront of innovation, while responding to immediate market challenges.

Pause to save time

The pause in Gigafactories in Italy and Germany may therefore have less to do with a simple weakness in demand than with a need for technological re-evaluation. NMC batteries, the mainstay of ACC's initial projects, no longer fully meet the current expectations of the European market, where competitiveness depends on less expensive solutions such as LFPs.

ACC and Stellantis find themselves in the delicate position of having to adapt their production lines to this new chemistry, while at the same time managing the financial challenges associated with upgrading their skills. As ACC General Secretary Matthieu Hubert admitted to the French newspaper Libération, "we're starting from scratch" in many respects, from manufacturing processes to the skills required.

Impact on Termoli and Kaiserslautern

These strategic adjustments are not without consequences for the Termoli sites and Kaiserslautern. These plants, originally scheduled to go into production in 2025 and 2026, have had their schedules suspended. Italy, the government expressed its frustration at the delaysrecalling theThe strategic importance of the Termoli Gigafactory as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

Yet this pause could be an opportunity. By integrating LFPs into their projects, Stellantis and ACC could better meet market expectations, while securing long-term outlets for their European sites.